Businesses from Gravesham have been given a helping hand to win work on one of Britain’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, as the Lower Thames Crossing Supply Chain Roadshows continue across the region.
National Highways has now started early work on the Lower Thames Crossing, and with at least £1 in every £3 from the construction budget due to be spent with small and medium sized businesses, there are plenty of opportunities for Gravesham and wider Kent firms on the horizon.
Dr Lauren Sullivan MP for Gravesham hosted the event at The Woodville Theatre last week, where some 80 firms joined to meet with the team from the Lower Thames Crossing. Participants learned more about the project’s low-carbon requirements, and how to easily locate and bid for work opportunities.
Dr Lauren Sullivan, Member of Parliament for Gravesham, said: “Fundamentally, the Lower Thames Crossing will have real impacts on local residents and is likely to cause disruptions during construction. Throughout the planning process a number of commitments were made to the people and businesses of Gravesham by the Lower Thames Crossing to mitigate the impacts.
“I have, and will continue holding the Lower Thames Crossing to those promises including, on opportunities for small and medium sized local businesses, training and employment opportunities for local people, community funds and much more. It’s only fair that these opportunities go to the local community first and that young people are supported to develop skills and build their careers.”
Natalie Bonnick, Head of Supply Chain and Skills, Education & Employment for the Lower Thames Crossing said: “With work on the Lower Thames Crossing underway, there are plenty of exciting opportunities for Gravesham and wider Kent businesses to get involved and win work on one of Britain’s most important economic projects. That could feel daunting, but our roadshows are designed to support local firms and guide them through the process, giving them the best possible chance of success.”
As work on the new road and tunnel ramps up, a huge variety of materials and services will be needed, ranging from earthworks specialists to caterers and machinery hire to waste management.
Kent firms interested in working on the Lower Thames Crossing are encouraged to sign up to the project’s Supply Chain Directory, where they can keep in touch with the latest news and updates. Around 1500 SMEs from across the region have registered so far.
Local jobseekers will benefit too, as the Lower Thames Crossing plans to recruit almost half of workers from within 20 miles of the scheme. Last year, Dr Sullivan opened the first of the project’s Skills Hubs in Gravesham, which gives local people the chance to upskill in construction free of charge.
The topics of the training courses are matched to the project’s immediate needs and upcoming vacancies, and those completing the courses are guaranteed interviews with local firms. The MP also sits on the project’s Skills Taskforce alongside Lord David Blunkett, giving direction and advice to the scheme on its skills strategy.
The Lower Thames Crossing is a new road and tunnel that will tackle congestion on the Dartford Crossing and drive economic growth by creating a reliable new link between the ports of the south-east, the Midlands, and the north.
The project received planning permission in March 2025. In the Budget last year the Chancellor committed the final part of public funding that will enable the private sector to take forward construction and long-term operation of the new road.
PIC-NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
